By Bill Kemsley

If you're a fan of websites and e-learning courses that use illustrations, unDraw by Katerina Limpitsouni is a useful resource. According to her website, unDraw is "a constantly update collection of beautiful svg images that you can use completely free and without attribution." The open-source illustrations can also be uploaded in png format.

My favorite feature is the ability to choose the main color for each illustration. This helps to match illustrations with a client's colors.

In recent years, I have seen the e-learning industry evolve at an unprecedented rate. Let's take a look at two examples that exemplify these changes.

VitalSource, previously known as an e-textbook provider, now has a unique corporate-focused online learning platform called Intrepid Learn. According to the website, the platform is based on three beliefs:

1. The learner experience should come first2. Online learning should be relevant and seamlessly connected to real work3. Social and collaborative features must be fully integrated into the learning experience platform

Intrepid Learning is in its early stages, so we'll see how the product grows and evolves with time. It appears to not operate as a normal LMS, and does not integrate with SCORM. However, administrators and users seem to really like it, as you can read in product reviews on G2Crowd.

This is just one example of the growing trend towards blending eLearning development, LMS, social learning, micro learning, etc. into a more robust, combined offerings. Previously, there was much more siloing in both the online learning experience (from the learner's perspective) and the e-learning creation experience (from the perspective of the instructional designer, developer, and LMS administrator).

Let's give another example. Maestro is one of many e-learning content creation companies with a very broad product offering. Whereas a "typical" custom e-learning company might specialize in Storyline and Captivate development, Maestro offers a combination of the following services:

How have you seen the e-learning industry shifting? ​What can you do to continue to provide value in a world where the non-traditional e-learning experience platforms are becoming more traditional and atypical design agencies are becoming more typical?

Want to add some truly original characters to your e-learning or website? Take a look at the vector cartoon characters by GraphicMama. They can also customize characters (e.g., with company branding) or create new characters based on your needs.

Pexels gets its photos from a variety of sources (including Unsplash). I generally find that Pexels has better quality photos than Unsplash, but Unsplash has more photos overall. For projects, I usually use to Pexels first, and then use Unsplash if I cannot find the photo on Pexels.

Would you like to make your e-learning courses more accessible to learners with disabilities?

There are two common requirements for e-learning accessibility in the United States:

Section 508 (Section 508 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973)

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)

There is substantial overlap between the two guidelines. In fact, in 2017, Section 508 was updated to included criteria from WCAG 2.0. Compliance with Section 508 is frequently required when creating websites or e-learning for government agencies.

WCAG has three priority levels, or levels of conformance to standards. In general, A level requirements must be satisfied by developers; AA (Double A) level requirements should be satisfied by developers; and AAA (Triple-A) requirements may satisfy these requirements. Note, however, that certain organizations or government agencies may have more strict requirements.

Part of WCAG is ensuring all text is easily readable and has sufficient contrast. The Colorable app by Brent Jackson, a Brooklyn, NY-based designer/developer, helps to determine if text/backgrounds meet WCAG accessibility requirements.

When making buttons in Storyline, I often make the hover standard 10% lighter than the normal state color. I make the down or visited state 10% darker than the normal state color. To help find the right heximal decimal codes for the lighter and darker versions of the color, I use a tool from CSS Font Stack.